Top Romantic Restaurants in Texas

Sometimes, rather than trying to impress your significant other with your chef skills and risking burning the meal or the house down (we kid!), you take the easier (and safer) route by going out to dinner (after spending the day on one of these romantic outings, of course). Fortunately, Texas has plenty of restaurants that help set the mood with their charming yet intimate atmospheres and breathtaking views of the city. Not all of them are super expensive or require you to dress like you’re about to walk down the aisle, either (unless, of course, you’re planning to propose). Here are some of the most romantic restaurants in Texas:

Grotto Ristorante: Italian Cuisine

5222 Seawall Blvd Galveston, Texas 77551

409.740.8605

Grotto Italian Restaurant on Galveston Island is located in the luxurious San Luis Resort Hotel. At Grotto, all dishes are prepared daily from freshest ingredients. From classic entrées such as the Lasagne al Forno to more innovative fare like the Salmon Brioso, there’s an Italian dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. You can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, entertaining atmosphere that will transport you to the cozy setting of a trattoria in Tuscany. Their constantly-evolving menu is based on seasonal fresh ingredients, yet they always offer the classic Italian standards that customers have enjoyed for years. Wine enthusiasts will be impressed with the extensive collection of Italian and domestic selections—and talented baristas will also delight guests with freshly made cocktails, such as their famous Peach Bellinis or unwind with a glass of Sartori Pinot Grigio.

Spindletop at the Hyatt Regency: American Southwest Cuisine

1200 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002

713.654.1234

Board the glass-enclosed “Spindletop Express” elevator 34 floors to reach one of the most remarkable restaurants in Houston. Spindletop is the city’s first revolving dining room, completing one revolution every 45 minutes. At the top of Hyatt Regency Houston, guests can savor fresh American seafood with a local southwest flair. Nothing says romance quite like dining in a revolving room and getting a panoramic view of Houston at night. In June, the Spindletop, named for the 1901 Beaumont gusher that began the modern age of petroleum, will celebrate its 45th anniversary.

Adelmo’s Ristorante: Italian Cuisine

5450 West Lovers Lane, Suite 225, Dallas, Texas 75209

214.559.0325

With an address like this— all-around good choice for a dinner date on Lovers Lane—how can a romantic meal go wrong? Adelmo’s is a charming Italian joint that’s a perfect spot for date night with your sweetie. The menu is expansive and delicious, from rich pasta dishes like the one pictured to lighter fare like grilled chicken or salmon. For dessert, indulge in some cappuccino ice cream or bread pudding. And don’t forget the wine, of course! Their wine list is amazing—and surprisingly affordable. Some of the dishes owners Adelmo and Eliza Banchetti recommend include osso buco (veal with vegetables) and tagliatelle with meat sauce. They also have some authentic fish dishes on the menu, including cioppino (fish stew in a tomato-based sauce). Adelmo’s received the Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence for 2015, 2016, and 2017.

St Martin’s Wine Bistro: French Cuisine

3020 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75206

214.826.0940

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro opened in 1977 in a building erected in 1925 that is said to have housed the city’s very first air-conditioned bar. It’s often referred to as “Dallas’ most romantic restaurant.” Its massive chandeliers, ornate artwork, and a grand piano gives it a classic style not often seen these days. Every night and for Sunday brunch they have piano music, a rarity in the restaurant business. The basic identity of St. Martin’s: dark and sultry with piano music—every night since opening 40 years ago. If you look at the menu it’s all classic French food. The wine list is extensive, with more than two hundred options, and a remarkable Captain’s portfolio. They also have a seasonally updated, extensive by-the-glass selection as well. And, they offer complimentary valet parking all seven nights.

Villa Capri: Mediterranean Cuisine

3713 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, Texas 77586

281.326.2373

Villa Capri On Clear Lake is a charming restaurant and banquet facility on the waterfront with a spectacular view of Clear Lake. Owned and operated for more than 30 years, Villa Capri is perfect for a first date or a romantic dinner out with your long-time partner. Their Italian country villa, Casa Mia has an inviting patio set in an Italian garden where receptions are held. The Roof Garden banquet room and balcony, designed to be more intimate, offers privacy with a spectacular panorama view. The Villa Capri Restaurant menu is the best of two worlds, Texas Gulf Seafood and Italian cooking from the Isle of Capri. The Villa Capri on Clear Lake also hosts Frenchie’s Italian Restaurant which is a well-known Bay-area restaurant. The views are stunning, the food is fresh, rich, and delicious.